How Do I Choose the Best Business Analysis Training?

To select the best online business analysis training, the business analyst (BA) will need to consider factors such as her specific goals for the training, her background, and experience. The training preferred by employers and its location will also influence her decision. Peer recommendations can also help the BA choose the best training.

An aspiring BA may want to ensure the business analysis training she chooses teaches the fundamentals of the field. More experienced BAs, especially those without formal training, may also benefit from learning basic business analysis concepts. These BAs may also progress in their careers by learning advanced methods of analyzing business needs.

Some employers prefer to hire BAs with certificates from reputable training and certifying organizations. Earning such a certificate demonstrates the BA has practiced successfully in her career, has studied its body of knowledge, and has passed examinations demonstrating that knowledge. If certification is important to the BA, the training program should align with it.

The comprehensiveness of the training will also influence a BA’s choice. If the BA needs training that covers topics such as business process modeling, interviewing, requirements development, and consulting skills from business and management perspectives, she should seek a program that touches on all those areas. Other areas she may consider include business architecture, data modeling, and systems analysis. Some variations of business analyst work, such as data modeling and systems analysis, require more technical knowledge than others. BAs who don’t have technical backgrounds but who would like these types of positions will want more in-depth, technical training.

The location of training can be a factor. A BA may be limited to attending onsite training in her area. If she is able to travel, her opportunities for high quality training increase.

Some BAs may find online business analyst training is their only option. Certain important skills, such as interviewing techniques, may be difficult to practice in this environment. If this is the case, the BA may try practicing with a coworker.

Business analysts who network with other BAs may ask for recommendations for business analysis training programs. A program’s marketing materials may make it sound good, yet it may be inadequate. Recommendations help ensure the BA is choosing a good training program.

Some organizations have a number of BAs who would like training. Such an organization can work with a training provider to develop programs specifically for its needs. For a BA who works in this organization, this type of business analysis training program will likely be the best choice.